Leopold Conservation Award seeks nominees

Sand County Foundation, in partnership with the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association (CCA), the Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust (CCALT) and EnCana Oil and Gas (USA) Inc., seeks nominations for the 2010 Leopold Conservation Award in Colorado.

The Award, which is comprised of $10,000 and an Aldo Leopold crystal, recognizes Colorado landowners who demonstrate outstanding stewardship and sustainable management of natural resources. The Leopold Conservation Award is presented in honor of famed conservationist and author Aldo Leopold who called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

“Conserving landscapes isn’t just about land conservation, but rather about people and their relationship with the land. The Leopold Conservation award seeks to recognize the highest of conservation ethics whereby the rancher cares for the land and the land, in turn, cares for the rancher,” stated Terry Fankhauser, CCA Executive Vice President. “This conservation partnership between rancher and ranch has long been recognized by the Sand County Foundation and is exemplified through their commitment to this award.”

“The health of Colorado’s landscape is dependent on hard-working farmers and ranchers across the state who dedicate themselves to ensuring that Colorado’s natural resources are in better shape than when they found them,” said Dr. Brent Haglund, Sand County Foundation President. “Year after year, the quality of award nominations for the Leopold Conservation Award proves that Colorado’s land, water and wildlife are in great hands.”

The Leopold Conservation Award will be presented at the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association Annual Convention on Monday, June 14, 2010 in Pueblo, Colo.